STUDENTS are finally able to celebrate after months of anxiously waiting for their GCSE results.

Following the challenges of lockdown and the uncertainty of results nationally students from the Whitehaven Academy received good news, with many planning to return to the new West Coast Sixth Form in September.

Headteacher Nigel Youngman said: “The whole school community needs to be proud of the successes of these Year 11 students. Lockdown has been extremely difficult for so many, and it is a pleasure to finally see young people celebrate and look forward to their futures with excitement and hope.

“We are delighted that so many will be joining the West Coast Sixth Form as the school continues to move forward. A huge thank you to parents and carers for the way they have supported our excellent staff in guiding and encouraging the students.”

Elaine Jennings said she was ‘absolutely delighted’ with son James’ GCSE results.

She said: “We are very proud of him and would like to thank the staff for all their effort and support in helping him achieve this.”

James achieved seven grade 9s in Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Literature and Geography. He also achieved two grade 8s in English Language and French. James is planning to study A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Tyler Cornish achieved strong grades across his subjects and is delighted to have been selected to start a Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with Cumbria County Council.

Ellis Barnes is moving onto Lakes College having made tremendous progress with particular success in History. Aimee O’Driscoll is moving on to Lakes College to study Business Studies. She is thrilled with her results, most notably grade 7s in Business Studies and History.

St Benedict’s students received their results a little differently this year via e-mail, and students came into school for their Sixth Form interviews.

Mrs Jackson, headteacher, said: “I am very proud of all of our students and how they have coped during these uncertain times. They have shown great maturity and resilience, and we look forward to welcoming many of them back in September to our Sixth Form.”

Pupils excelled despite the challenges. Kai Savage gained nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Juliet Bridgman gained five grade 9s, three grade 8s and three grade 7s.

West Lakes Academy congratulated students on their outstanding performance.

Mr Jonathan Johnson, CEO of the West Lakes Multi-Academy Trust, said: “I congratulate the students and staff at West Lakes Academy, whose commitment to quality education is ensuring that the young people of West Cumbria have real choices open to them as they move on to further education and employment.”